​As a small, community theatre company we are astounded at the outreach of support for our company, artists and LGBTQI people in the last few days. We have always been committed to telling stories that make a contribution to our community’s discourse. Our latest production is no different.

We are still reeling from opening Holding the Man last night. True to our identity and purpose we told a beautiful, Australian love story. Our audience laughed loudly and cried earnestly. Looking at our audiences’ faces as they left we’re confident we did our job well.

I’ve always been proud of Lane Cove Theatre Company. Last night, I was especially proud that we could come together and share this story while debate about equality echoes around the country.

On behalf of Lane Cove Theatre Company, I would like to offer my utmost gratitude to everyone for the support that has been shown to us and our show. In particular I would like to thank In the Cove, News.com.au, our local Federal Member for North Sydney Trent Zimmerman MP for attending and showing his support all the people who shared and commented on articles about our advertising.

Every citizen of the Lane Cove and surrounding communities should be able to voice their opinion and have it respected, regardless of whether you agree with it or not.As a theatre company, it is our job to tell stories. Our stories inspire our audience to think on topics they may not have previously and incite empathy for the characters we bring to life. We take pride in giving our audiences insight into our characters’ lives.

This Friday we open Holding the Man; an exquisitely written love story. Our advertising featured the heart-warming photograph of our two lead characters portraying sheer, unconditional love

Last week the posters were torn down from the locations we have advertised our shows for more than 20 years.

Every citizen of the Lane Cove and surrounding communities should be able to voice their opinion and have it respected, regardless of whether you agree with it or not.In a week when the marriage equality debate continues across the country, the voice of the LGBTQI community continues to grow. Members from all parts of our community join with us to speak. Our voice speaks of acceptance, inclusion and equality. They are values all of us at Lane Cove Theatre Company stand by and will continue to fight for.

Our posters may be torn down but our collective voice will continue. We will band together and speak.

Love is love.

HOLDING THE MAN by Tommy Murphy, Adapted from the novel by Timothy Conigrave